The only thing I can think of is that they are in the weaker pool and they dont have to play Belarus .

How about the fact that Naslund & Sundin make a pretty good line even without Forsberg. Or the fact that they have a defensively smart line called Sedins that are very used to shutting down NHL calibre players. Or the fact that they have two world class D in Lidstrom & Ohlund. You think Belarus won't be a source of inspiration?

Heavy_P wrote:My heart has to go with Team Canada, of course, but we had to go and make it hard on ourselves. No Blake or Pronger leaves a big hole on the blue line, and I still wish Premeau, or Peca was chosen.

I also think Sweeden has a pretty good shot, and I think the US is up there too.

well we still have neids and foote, two guys who have led their respective bluelines to stanely cups. They still have a great supporting cast. I think even with the injuries, the canadians still outclass every other country I can think of when it comes to D.

Also, having the current best goalie on the planet is a little reassuring.

Have you been watching the news at all? How about taking some time and thinking before you make some of your posts. I've noticed that some of them dont have very much thought into them, and others are downright ridiculous (e.g. starting a thread "why are the best players from Quebec?").
Do a search and check all of the players that pulled out of Russia's World Cup team, as well as the reason why, and then come back and tell me if you still feel the same way about them.

Have to agree about the goaltending, for my money they have the best team in front of the net, but in it? I mean Tellquvist? Well maybe he'll have a break out tournament. Apparently they've been impressed with him internationally have they not?

Have you been watching the news at all? How about taking some time and thinking before you make some of your posts. I've noticed that some of them dont have very much thought into them, and others are downright ridiculous (e.g. starting a thread "why are the best players from Quebec?").
Do a search and check all of the players that pulled out of Russia's World Cup team, as well as the reason why, and then come back and tell me if you still feel the same way about them.

Well excuse me.................Canada made the mistake of underestimating the Russians in '72 and I don't think they should repeat that mistake.